Drumcliff 50 Years
A great reunion weekend of celebration, stories, reminisces and laughter

It was a great day! Everything fell into place as planned and even the weather played ball. The Drumcliff 50 year celebration last Saturday was a terrific mix of reunions, nostalgia, reminisces, and much laughter as old memories were dissected and escapades recalled.
The golden festivities commenced with an ecumenical service conducted by Rev Ken McLaughlin and Fr. Willie Peoples. Representatives of almost every family who ever lived on the terrace were present, including five of the original residents who are still living there - Mrs Una Rooney, Mrs Phil McGinty, Nan and Patsy Duncan and Mrs Mary Clerkin. Prayers, gospel and psalm were recited.
The standard greeting of people re-meeting after many years was commented on by Fr Peoples. “I attended a similar reunion as this in my home town of Milford a couple of years ago and all I could hear around me was “great to see you again – you haven’t changed a bit”. A man came up to me and when he greeted me thus, I replied “Neither have you – but who are you?”
After the service Paul Duncan welcomed everyone and remembered those no longer with us “our parents brought us to a great place to grow up – a lot of them are sadly no longer with us but I want to remember and express appreciation for what they did for us to give us the best chance in life – we remember them with respect and fondness.”
Then there was time for photos and mingling before all hands headed to the pier for a trip down the bay on the waterbus. In case anyone was feeling a bit peckish, the committee had laid on light refreshments on board - and the bar was open. Thanks to Captain Billy and crew for a great cruise – even if the excellent commentary was drowned out by the sheer volume of the ‘getting to re-know you’ excitement.
The last part of the celebrations was a meal in Pier 1 - another opportunity to mix and mingle, laugh at the old photos in the book published for the occasion - and renew friendships.
Much more could be written about this day but it would just be taking up space that can be better used to show off Michael Devaney’s great photos of the day.
It just leaves me to thank the committee on behalf of all residents of Drumcliff, past and present. This consisted of Paul Duncan, Peader McGinty and Patrick McBrearty; the foot-soldiers were Carmel Brennan, Paul O’Sullivan and Leonie Hyland. We appreciate the effort put in to make the day the success it was - and the memory and record laid down for the young present - hopefully will be their inspiration to host a similar party to celebrate the 100th. L.H.